LeGrand Coffee House inks first retail lease at Avenue & Green in Woodbridge

Prism Capital Partners said May 20 that LeGrand Coffee House will open its first brick-and-mortar location in downtown Woodbridge, becoming the inaugural retail tenant at Avenue & Green, its mixed-use, transit-oriented development currently under construction at the corner of Rahway Avenue and Green Street.

Entrepreneur and Woodbridge native Eric LeGrand leased 1,800 square feet next to the Woodbridge train station.

Ripco Real Estate’s Curtis Nassau and Deborah Stone brokered the transaction as exclusive retail leasing agents for Avenue & Green’s 12,000-square-foot retail component. The property also features 232 apartments, with the entire project expected to be ready for occupancy this summer.

“We are excited to welcome Eric and LeGrand Coffee House to Avenue & Green,” said Prism Capital Partners Senior Vice President for Residential Robert Fourniadis. “This property is designed to meet ongoing demand for transit-oriented multifamily, and to provide residents with upscale amenities and in-building conveniences. LeGrand Coffee House will be a perfect fit, offering great refreshments and an inviting gathering place for the entire Woodbridge community.”

LeGrand, a former Rutgers University football player who sustained a life-altering spinal cord injury in 2010, noticed the construction taking place at the redevelopment site last summer. “I lived in a two-family house on Green Street until I was four years old,” he said. “I thought, why not have my own coffee shop on the street where I was born?”

LeGrand called Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac, who put him in touch with Nutley-based Prism Capital Partners.

LeGrand Coffee House launched online in January, and LeGrand has been working with Belissimo Coffee Advisors to bring the storefront to life. In addition to serving beverages made from locally roasted coffee, the shop will offer traditional baked goods, premade sandwiches and salads, and specialty items sourced from area businesses. LeGrand also plans to rent out the space for local events after hours. “I like to say we’re bringing unity to the community with a daily cup of belief,” he said.

Serving the disability community has been integral to the design process for LeGrand Coffee House. The plan includes a larger space behind the bar to accommodate wheelchair-bound staff, as well as accessible seating for guests. “I don’t know of many African-American, former Division 1 football players with a disability running a coffee shop,” said LeGrand. “Being in my situation, I’ve seen and experienced a lot, and we want to make this a welcoming place for everyone.”

Prism purchased the 5-acre, Avenue & Green site in 2019 in a joint venture partnership with The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. and Lucas Family Enterprises, the prior owners of the property.

Situated in the heart of Woodbridge’s walkable downtown, the community will feature a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom rental homes. A host of resident amenities include a community room with kitchen and bar, fitness center, outdoor pool, patio with grills and firepits, package room, conference room, and covered parking. The Avenue & Green residential leasing office is expected to open in July.